Door to door sales permitted from Saturday - know your rights

Ahead of the law change on door-to-door sales, which comes into force this weekend, Luxembourg's consumer watchdog has issued advice to residents.

23.04.2014

Ahead of the law change on door-to-door sales, which comes into force this weekend, Luxembourg's consumer watchdog has issued advice to residents.

As of April 26, the sale of goods from door-to-door will be permitted under Luxembourg law.

In case residents are placed in awkward situations and do not wish to purchase, Luxembourg's Consumers' Union the ULC advise them to take one of two actions.

Firstly, they may affix a sticker to their front door or next to their doorbell stating that they do not wish to be bothered. The sticker could read "Kee Colportage", "Vente de porte à porte - non merci” or "Keine Haustürgeschäfte". Under the reform, consumers have the freedom to refuse cold callers by affixing a sign. Stickers can be obtained from the ULC reception, from the Luxembourg City Bierger Center or from the Luxembourg City Town Hall in Place Guillaume II.

If, despite placing a sticker, the salesperson is persistent and convinces or forces an individual to sign a contract for the sale of goods or services, customers can legally nullify the signed contract.

Vendors face fines ranging from 251 euros to 120,000 euros as well as the confiscation of their goods and vehicle for abuse of the law.

For residents without a sticker on their front door, if a vendor enters their home and the resident does not wish to purchase, they may ask the vendor to leave. If the vendor convinces or forces the customer to sign a contract, they may later legally nullify the contract signed and demand a refund. The customer must, however, prove they asked the vendor to leave, for example through a witness.

If a customer voluntarily signs a contract with a vendor, they have 14 days in which they may change their minds and they are not obliged to justify their decision.

For more information, visit www.ulc.lu

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